Dallas Wings 2026 Media Day: Key Takeaways Featuring Paige Bueckers, Azzi Fudd And More

ARLINGTON, Texas — The Dallas Wings opened a new chapter at their 2026 Media Day, the first under head coach Jose Fernandez and the first offseason cycle in which general manager Curt Miller had a full reset window to reshape the roster.

Three notes on availability before the takeaways. Rayah Marshall is in the WNBA’s concussion protocol and did not speak. JJ Quinerly is scheduled to speak with reporters Tuesday at the team’s first open practice. One presser station was inadvertently skipped during the rotation.

Dallas Hoops Journal created a breakdown of what was said, who said it, and why it matters as Dallas heads into the preseason ramp-up.

The Jose Fernandez Era Takes Shape

Multiple players and Miller himself returned to the same phrase to describe Fernandez’s first weeks in charge. Clear standards.

“There’s a clear accountability throughout the room,” Miller said. “Jose is a seasoned head coach who knows how he wants to play, and his standards are being set immediately. When you watch this team, there will be an identity on both ends of the floor. His non-negotiables are clear every day, and he’s not afraid to hold players accountable. Great players want to be coached. They want that accountability.”

Alysha Clark, signed in free agency, said she felt that culture shift the moment she walked into the building.

“From day one coming in, you feel a different air,” Clark said. “Understanding what it is that Jose is building, the standard that he has set, and the accountability he expects from everyone, you can feel it right away. It’s something that’s super exciting for me.”

Maddy Siegrist brought outside familiarity with Fernandez from her Villanova days facing his South Florida program. She said his culture-building had been intentional from the start.

“He’s great,” Siegrist said. “I played against him when I was at Villanova, so I was a little familiar with his style. He’s very intentional about what he does every day, and I really like the culture we’re building.”

Fernandez framed his own benchmarks broadly. He said he was brought to Dallas to win, but defined success in his first year as a function of growth from May through the back half of the season, with communication, player development, and game-by-game preparation as the core measuring sticks.

“I was brought here to win,” Fernandez said. “But success is also about growth, how we come out of training camp, how we play in May, and how we improve throughout the season. By the end of the year, we want to be playing our best basketball. It’s about communication, player development, relationships, and making sure players feel prepared every night.”

He also outlined the thinking behind why he left a 25-year run at South Florida for his first WNBA head coaching job.

“Being in college for 25 years at one place, you get to a point where you want a different challenge, personally and professionally,” Fernandez said. “It was the right time. I got the South Florida job at a young age, and now having the opportunity to coach one of the faces of the league, a team with young talent, and more talent coming down the road, it was appealing. The investment in the practice facility, the city of Dallas, and my familiarity with the area all played a role.”

Fernandez said his coaching staff was assembled with synergy in mind, layering NBA experience, WNBA experience, high-level college experience, and prior head coaching experience to give the program a deep operational base.

“You want great synergy,” Fernandez said. “We made sure to cover all areas. When you add up the years of experience on this staff, it translates into how we practice, develop players, and prepare for games. I truly believe we have the right people in place.”

Curt Miller’s Roster Philosophy: Cap Flexibility, Pedigree, and Depth

The most quietly important moves of the Wings’ offseason, according to Miller, will not be the headline-grabbing veteran additions. They will be the cap moves that made those additions possible.

“A lot of what we did was calculated, including moves to create salary cap flexibility,” Miller said. “Some of those moves may not be obvious to fans, but they allowed us to make additional moves afterward. With a hard cap, everything is connected. Some of the most important moves were the ones that enabled the rest of our roster construction.”

Miller said the priority list this offseason centered on adding a veteran point guard and improving post play. He pointed to Lindsay Allen and Odyssey Sims stabilizing the backcourt depth behind Paige Bueckers, Arike Ogunbowale, and Azzi Fudd, along the dual addition of Alanna Smith and Jessica Shepard as a major frontcourt lift.

“We brought in players like Lindsay Allen and Odyssey Sims to help stabilize the backcourt, and landing both Jessica Shepard and Alanna Smith was a major boost for our frontcourt,” Miller said. “That significantly improves our depth and overall post presence.”

Miller emphasized the intent behind layering veterans into a young core anchored by back-to-back No. 1 picks.

“It was intentional,” Miller said. “We have a young core, especially with back-to-back No. 1 picks and other young players, but we also made it a priority to add veterans to the locker room. We feel like we’ve achieved a strong balance. Coaches want to win now, but from a GM perspective, we’re also focused on sustained success.”

Miller also framed the collaboration with Fernandez during free agency as central to the offseason.

“Each year is different,” Miller said. “There’s always a lot of collaboration in free agency, especially this year with how unprecedented it was. We had a lot of conversations about how Jose wants to play and what talent fits best with that style. So while the collaboration was similar, the approach differed based on style and how Jose believes he can be successful.”

Asked about the broader evolution of his role, Miller described it as a 16-to-18-hour-a-day job that has grown more complex with the new max contract structure, supermax tier, and revenue-based cap projections introduced in the new collective bargaining agreement.

“It’s a full-time job, 16 to 18 hours a day,” Miller said. “The salary cap is much more complex now, with max contracts, supermax deals, and different salary tiers. Planning for the future is challenging, especially with revenue-based cap projections. The role has become much more sophisticated across the league.”

Miller also placed real value on championship pedigree, regardless of the level at which players had collected those titles.

“Whether it’s college championships, Final Fours, or WNBA titles, bringing that pedigree into the locker room matters,” Miller said. “Players like Paige Bueckers and Azzi Fudd already have chemistry and know how to play together. UConn players, in general, know how to play the right way and understand culture and effort, things you don’t have to coach.”

Miller said the early returns from training camp are exactly what he hoped for.

“The chemistry and culture are building on what we had last year,” Miller said. “The players are having fun while working hard. The veterans have made a big impact already, Alysha Clark‘s presence, Odyssey Sims‘ performance in scrimmage. It feels like we’ve picked up where we left off but added more experience.”

Defense Becomes the Dallas Wings’ Early Identity

Three players independently arrived at the same answer when asked about the team’s identity. The Wings want to be a defensive team, and the players are buying in. It’s been a theme in training camp that has been emphasized throughout the roster.

Smith framed it as a collective project rather than an individual responsibility.

“I want to set the tone of team defense,” Smith said. “Defense is not a one-person job, it’s everyone on the floor. So making sure everyone is bought in to playing really good defense is what I’d like to see.”

Aziaha James confirmed Bueckers had set the tone in the locker room.

“Yeah, I feel like we have a lot of scorers on our team, a lot of talent, but I feel like defense wins games,” James said. “That’s definitely going to stand out here for sure.”

Grace Berger went a step further by tying defense directly to the offensive vision Fernandez wants to install.

“Even though we have a lot of great scorers and shooters, some nights shots won’t fall,” Berger said. “You have to pride yourself on the defensive end and getting stops. That’s what separates good teams from teams that make the playoffs and win championships, that’s where we want to be. As far as pace, it starts with getting stops. Then we can push the ball, and with the players we have, a lot of good things will happen in transition.”

Siegrist said her own defensive evolution will determine her late-game minutes.

“Communication is the biggest thing,” Siegrist said. “Using my length and being active on the glass. When I get rebounds, being able to push the ball is something I’ve been working on, starting the break so the guards can get out and run.”

Paige Bueckers Details Year Two Approach, Leadership, and Skill Work

Bueckers enters her second WNBA season with a refined focus on the technical nuances of the game. After a rookie campaign that earned her All-WNBA Second Team honors, she spent the offseason competing at Unrivaled and with Team USA prioritizing her physical strength and specific shooting mechanics to better navigate the league’s length and athleticism.

She named left-hand finishing and off-the-dribble three-point shooting as her two primary on-court priorities for the 2026 season.

“Finishing with my left hand is still a work in progress,” Bueckers said. “Also working on off-the-dribble three-point shooting, being able to come off a screen and rise into a shot. And beyond skill work, becoming more vocal and confident as a leader.”

She set the bar for her own year-two approach in deliberately measured language.

“I’m not big on setting expectations or ceilings,” Bueckers said. “It’s about staying even-keeled and focusing on being the best version of myself each day. Some of the best moments last year were off the court, building relationships, spending time together. I’m still living out my childhood dream, so it’s about enjoying that and growing every day.”

She also gave a clear-eyed read on what she learned from playing alongside Ogunbowale in year one, while sharing excitement to build on the partnership.

“Growing up, I watched Arike, she’s one of the best scorers in the league,” Bueckers said. “For her to sacrifice and embrace me coming in as a scorer and playmaker meant a lot. We’ve talked a lot this offseason about just wanting to win. The best teams are selfless. For someone at her level to step into a leadership role and use her voice to instill confidence, that’s huge. I’m really excited about building on that.”

Bueckers framed her own goals in terms of effort, energy, discipline, and communication.

“My focus is on being the best teammate and leader I can be, being consistent in effort, energy, discipline, and communication,” Bueckers said. “You think about playoffs and championships, but you can’t get there without winning each day. It’s about maximizing every day, on the court, in the weight room, and in recovery.”

Asked about the late-season minutes James and Quinerly absorbed in their rookie year, Bueckers credited their preparation.

“Experience matters in this league, but it’s also about having that next woman up mentality,” Bueckers said. “Aziaha and JJ did a tremendous job embracing that. They weren’t in the rotation early but stayed ready, worked constantly, and were fearless when their number was called. That’s what this league is about, being ready for your opportunity and taking advantage of it.”

She closed with high praise for James.

“I think it’s going to be a breakout year for her,” Bueckers said. “She took advantage of every opportunity last year. Being around her during the offseason, I saw how much work she put into her mind and body. She deserves to come into camp confident. She steps up to every challenge, works extremely hard, and I have full confidence in her.”

Azzi Fudd Settles Into Dallas Amid WNBA Adjustment

Fudd continued to check off “first-time” boxes to begin her WNBA career. Coming off her first week of WNBA training camp, she took part in her first media day as a professional.

Fudd named ball screens as her welcome-to-the-league moment so far.

“The ball screens,” Fudd said. “Everyone is so strong, trying to navigate those screens, it’s tough.”

She framed her first week of camp as a blur.

“Everything,” Fudd said when asked about her biggest takeaways. “It’s only been a week, but it feels like two days and a month at the same time. The intensity, physicality, speed, and learning, it’s all what I expected, but actually going through it is different. Just adjusting and learning on the fly has been a big part of it, but it’s been a lot of fun.”

On the question of how big the jump from college to the WNBA actually feels, Fudd was honest.

“I think it’s a combination of both,” Fudd said. “It’s the next step, but it’s also a big jump. New coach, new organization, new teammates, it’s going to be a lot of learning and growing, and I’m really looking forward to that.”

She offered a self-aware answer on managing exposure as one of the league’s most-watched rookies.

“You can’t have growth without exposure, it’s kind of a double-edged sword,” Fudd said. “For me, I’ve limited my social media use. I don’t really dive into comments or what people are saying. That’s helped me stay focused on what matters, on the court and with my teammates.”

Fudd singled out decision-making as her most-needed growth area at the pace of pro basketball.

“Learning, learning the plays, learning my teammates, learning different lineups,” Fudd said. “Everything is happening at such a high speed, so decision-making becomes even more important, reading defenders, reading teammates, and being confident in what I’m doing.”

She said any rookie she was looking forward to facing was a former UConn teammate.

“I’m looking forward to matching up against any of my former UConn teammates, any chance to play against them,” Fudd said.

She also gave a notable read on the competitiveness of training camp scrimmages.

“Practices have been super intense,” Fudd said. “Everyone is competitive, and that’s what makes it fun. We all want to get better, so coming in every day knowing you’ll improve and push others is really important.”

Alysha Clark’s Voice and Substance Already Setting a Tone

Clark’s Media Day was perhaps the most quietly substantive of the day, and the reactions from teammates suggested her arrival is already paying off.

She said her decision to sign with Dallas was clear after her first conversations with the front office.

“Honestly, after my first conversation with the front office and management,” Clark said. “Just the feel of what they’re wanting to do and how they’re trying to turn this organization around was something that was really exciting for me. And just obviously the teams and environments that I’ve been able to be a part of, I felt like could be really beneficial here too.”

She also offered one of the day’s best locker room side notes. Asked whether a half-court shooting contest with Bueckers had occurred, Clark was eager to share details.

“Paige lost the half-court shooting contest, I even gave her two attempts,” Clark said. “I love free money.”

Sims, who has played with Clark in Athletes Unlimited, said Clark is the kind of teammate every team needs.

“AC is amazing,” Sims said. “I’ve played with her before in Athletes Unlimited. She’s the kind of teammate you need on every team, the glue. She does all the intangibles, doesn’t try to do too much, and she’s always talking and setting an example. I’m excited to play alongside her, learn from her, and help guide this young group together.”

Fernandez echoed the sentiment.

“She’s been incredible,” Fernandez said. “From our first conversation in free agency, I knew she was exactly what this team needed, leadership and versatility. She brings a calming presence and high basketball IQ. As a first-year WNBA head coach, having someone like her that I can communicate with openly is valuable. She’s honest, and I’ve really enjoyed working with her.”

Alanna Smith Pushes Three-Point Volume, Tone-Setting, and Cowboy Hat Disappointment

Smith was direct about her offensive priority within the Wings’ system.

“It’s a huge emphasis,” Smith said of the three-point shot. “When you have a lot of players who can shoot the three, you’re dangerous. Three is bigger than two, I think that explains a lot.”

Smith addressed her visa process at the top of her availability.

“I’m legal, just putting it out there,” Smith said. “I’m allowed to be here. It’s been okay. A lot of travel to go and get the visa and just waiting around. A bit inconvenient, but it has to happen. I get it, it’s laws and policy around it. But it’s done now, so I don’t have to worry about it.”

She offered the day’s best line about adjusting to Dallas as a visiting player turned full-time resident.

“When I visited, I didn’t get to see much of the place,” Smith said. “I had assumptions that it was like the Wild West, cowboy hats, riding horses, yeehaw. So I’ve been maybe a little bit disappointed that it’s not like that. More cowboy hats, where are they?”

Smith framed her preseason preparation around defense and chemistry.

“Defense is a big part of my game and a big part of winning games,” Smith said. “Building that foundation of team defense, then building chemistry, learning how people play, what they like to do. The only way to do that is by playing games, so I’m keen to get out there.”

She also framed the early system installation as a process of learning where her teammates want to operate.

“Learning the plays that Jose is putting in and figuring out what players like to do, where their strengths are and where they want to be on the floor,” Smith said.

She also described her chemistry-building work with Bueckers in screening actions, comparing the spacing principles to her time playing alongside Courtney Williams in the past.

“Screening is kind of universal, especially with guards who can shoot,” Smith said. “What’s unique about Paige, similar to Courtney Williams, is her mid-range game. It’s not just about setting the screen, but how you separate afterward because they like to operate in that space. I’ve had a lot of practice with Courtney on that, so I feel confident helping Paige with it.”

She acknowledged the pressure of joining a young team that has not won much recently.

“I think there’s a little bit of pressure, but I’ve been on teams where expectations have been different from outcomes,” Smith said. “I trust the process. I know we have the right pieces to be successful, and I’m just excited to get going.”

Smith also flagged the Wings’ staff investment as a difference-maker for daily life.

“One of the biggest things I’ve noticed is investing in good people, staff and players,” Smith said. “That goes a long way. You enjoy going to work with the people around you every day, and it makes life easier. It’s easier to be successful when you have great people around you.”

Maddy Siegrist Eyes Three-Point Volume, Patience, and Late-Game Defense

Siegrist’s offseason mirrored the Wings’ stylistic emphasis. She said her time at Unrivaled gave her live reps shooting threes at higher volume, and she wants to bring that comfort back to the WNBA.

“Definitely being more efficient shooting the three,” Siegrist said. “Unrivaled was a great opportunity for me to take more threes and get more comfortable doing that. Defensively, it also challenges you to guard different positions and play in more space, so that’s been a big focus too.”

Siegrist said the biggest takeaway from her last WNBA season was patience.

“It’s a long season, and there are going to be ups and downs, injuries, losses,” Siegrist said. “It’s about how you respond. Are you going to show up every day and do your job, or let those situations affect you?”

She does not plan to drastically reinvent her game.

“Hopefully not too many changes,” Siegrist said. “I pride myself on being efficient and consistent, and I want to bring that every night. Defensively, I want to be more active and create extra possessions for the team.”

Asked about playing alongside Fudd, Siegrist was direct.

“It’s great,” Siegrist said. “The way she can spread the floor and how efficient she is, it’s fun to play with someone like that every day and compete with her.”

Siegrist closed by framing the Wings’ broader trajectory.

“Over the last four years, the growth has been incredible,” Siegrist said. “The amount of staff, the resources, it’s something you see around the league, but in Dallas specifically, it shows how committed ownership is to building something here.”

Aziaha James Adds Strength, Targets a Defensive Leap

James spent the offseason adding weight and chasing agility gains, both with the same goal in mind.

“I put a little weight on, tired of getting pushed around,” James said. “I worked on my agility and making sure my feet are faster. Spending time in the weight room so I can hold my ground and build that strength.”

The defensive emphasis tracks with her self-stated focus on what she called guarding her yard.

“Defense is my main thing,” James said. “I feel like I can guard my yard a little bit more and just be more active, move my feet more for sure.”

James also credited her time at Unrivaled with raising her professional bar around recovery, body care, and practice habits.

“My confidence went up a lot after Unrivaled, playing with that level of talent and seeing how they approach their day-to-day, how they take care of their bodies and practice,” James said. “It helped me translate that here. I’m just excited to play. I’m ready to play with my team and see what the season brings.”

She identified Smith and Clark as her primary defensive role models in early practices.

“Just watching their reps and how hard they go every time,” James said. “They treat every practice rep like a game. Seeing that every day and asking questions, that helps a lot.”

James reflected on her late-season run alongside Bueckers and Quinerly with notable groundedness.

“Just that I’m supposed to be here,” James said. “God put me here for a reason. When the coaches called my name, I was ready. Sharing that moment with the rookies was special, I’ll never forget it.”

She also highlighted the staff’s daily encouragement, singling out assistant coach Mike Neighbors.

“The coaches have been pushing us since the start, even setting standards before training camp,” James said. “They allow us to be ourselves but also make sure we know what to do. Coach Mike gives us notes every day, encouragement before practice, just little things like that. It all adds up to the big picture.”

Bueckers and Allen both volunteered James as a candidate for a breakout sophomore season. Okonkwo identified James as the team’s funniest teammate.

Odyssey Sims Returns to a Different Wings Organization

Sims, a DFW native and the franchise’s 2014 No. 2 overall pick, returned to the organization as a veteran point guard charged with stabilizing a young backcourt.

“I was here when the organization first started, and now to come back and see the growth, it’s been amazing,” Sims said. “I love what this organization has done. I’m excited to be here. I can’t really put into words how I feel, but the talent we have this year is incredible. I can’t wait for game one.”

Sims said the WNBA’s evolution since her draft year has been significant.

“I got drafted in 2014, and the game now compared to then, it’s faster, quicker, more competitive, and the talent level is higher,” Sims said. “I’m just blessed to still be part of it.”

Sims framed her role for this year in plain terms.

“If you stay ready, you don’t have to get ready, that’s me,” Sims said. “I’m always ready, no matter the role, big or small. I’m a vet now, so I pour into the game differently. I’m able to help the younger players, and they look up to me. Being that person they need and helping guide them, that’s something I take pride in.”

She framed the fan support that has followed her throughout her career as something she does not take for granted.

“First off, I’m very blessed and thankful,” Sims said. “My journey from my rookie year to now has been up and down, to say the least. But I love the fan base, I really appreciate the support. Fans from all over, no matter where I am, whether it’s Dallas or somewhere else, people show love. I’m just thankful that people are still keeping up with me and acting like this is year one for me.”

Sims said her own development goals at this stage center on continuing to grow her right-hand attack and her three-point shot.

“There’s always room to improve,” Sims said. “I want to keep working on my game, especially going right and continuing to improve my three-point shot.”

She said her time playing in Athletes Unlimited helped her rediscover her joy for the game.

“It’s always been there, but it’s hit different over the past couple of years,” Sims said. “Playing in Athletes Unlimited helped me rediscover that joy. My journey has had ups and downs, but now I appreciate everything more. I take it all in, and I’m pouring into the game more than ever, and it’s giving that love back.”

Sims framed her veteran responsibilities to the Wings’ young players around the smaller habits.

“Being a vet with younger players is about teaching the little things, being on time, professionalism,” Sims said. “I’m excited to help with that and play with AC.”

Lindsay Allen on Pace, Player Movement, and Late-Game Execution

Allen offered the clearest early read on what Fernandez’s offense will look like in motion.

“I think so far we’re going to be a team that shares the ball and moves the ball,” Allen said. “There’s a lot of player movement, but I think we want to be a team that plays intuitively, making good reads on the court and having a lot of fun.”

Allen said the chemistry-building process is the central project of training camp.

“This first week has been good for us to learn each other and learn the system that Jose wants to run, and just get live reps in it,” Allen said. “We have players coming back from overseas, so getting them integrated is important too. But it’s really about constant communication, constant talking, asking questions, and figuring it out. I think it’s going to be good for us.”

Allen said the Smith-Shepard frontcourt addition will add a layer of playmaking from positions that traditionally do not initiate offense.

“They’re bigs who can playmake, handle the ball, and bring it up the court,” Allen said. “They’re very smart players, so having the ball in their hands won’t be an issue. They like to share the ball and play within a team system, so I think we benefit from that a lot.”

She gave a notable read on Fudd’s first week.

“I think she’s had a great first week,” Allen said. “Everything she’s shown us is kind of what we expected from her, following her career at UConn and knowing the system she played in there. She’s very smart, very talented, very skilled. I’m excited to see how she continues to feel, but she’s looked great so far.”

Allen tied her own consistency to staying inside her own habits.

“I think just staying within myself,” Allen said. “I’ve been in this league for a few years now, so I know what works for me and what doesn’t. Just continuing to stick with that every day and not straying too far from it is important.”

On late-game execution, Allen pointed to communication as the most important variable.

“Late-game communication is huge,” Allen said. “As we get further into the season, Jose will have specific things for us to run and what we’re trying to accomplish. So it’s about staying calm, executing on offense, and knowing what we want, who we want to have the ball and what kind of shot we’re trying to get in those final minutes.”

Allen said her own pro turning point came around the WNBA’s pandemic bubble year.

“I’d say probably around the bubble, during the pandemic, or maybe the year after,” Allen said. “I was about three or four seasons into the league at that point and had played overseas multiple times. I just learned what my body needs and what it doesn’t, kind of through trial and error.”

Grace Berger Benefits From a Full Training Camp

Berger said the most significant difference in her game this year is structural. She has an entire training camp.

“Last year I came in midseason, which is always a challenge, trying to adjust quickly to teammates and what coaches want,” Berger said. “Now having a full training camp helps a lot. I feel more comfortable and can play my game more, being more efficient, figuring out teammates earlier, and getting them the ball where they want it. As a point guard, it’s about making others better, so hopefully just being more efficient and comfortable.”

She framed her own job in the system Fernandez is installing as straightforward.

“My job as a point guard, especially in this system, is to get the right players the ball in the right spots,” Berger said. “Getting Paige, Azzi, and Arike the ball where they’re most effective is key because they’re really good players. Then when my opportunities come, whether in transition or other situations, I want to be efficient with those chances.”

Berger said sharing the gym with so many high-profile players has been an easy adjustment because of the disposition of the players themselves.

“You don’t always know what to expect with players who have a lot of notoriety, but everyone’s been super humble,” Berger said. “They’re great people and great teammates. And obviously, they’re really fun to play with because they’re really good at basketball. It’s been great having them around.”

She also offered a steady answer on staying grounded through the realities of pro basketball.

“It’s definitely challenging, you’re on new teams, with new coaches and teammates often,” Berger said. “But at the end of the day, I get to play basketball for a living, which is what I always dreamed of. So it’s about remembering that, keeping a growth mindset, and staying grateful for the opportunity.”

Li Yueru Searches for Balance Between Modern and Traditional Post Play

Li Yueru described an offseason spent trying to expand her game without losing the foundation that made her a paint scorer in the first place.

“That’s a special part for me,” Yueru said of stretching her shot. “If you want to be a good player at my size, you have to learn to play the modern style, shoot further, run faster. But sometimes I forget what I’m best at. So I’m trying to find a balance between being a modern post player and staying true to what I’ve always done well. It’s not easy, but I’m working on it this season.”

She said her most natural comfort zone remains in the paint.

“I feel most comfortable playing inside, posting up, working in the paint, and on defense,” Yueru said. “I’ve tried to expand my game and play more on the perimeter, but I want to get back to what I do best in the paint and use my energy there, especially for rebounding.”

Yueru, who won an Unrivaled championship alongside Ogunbowale and Smith in the offseason, said the three-on-three format offered real basketball lessons.

“It was a really special experience,” Yueru said. “I learned a lot, especially playing three-on-three, how to defend faster and make the right decisions quickly. Winning a championship with Arike and Alanna was really meaningful. We built chemistry, and I’m excited to bring that into this season.”

Yueru said she hopes Dallas can become her second home.

“I feel so excited, and it feels really different,” Li said. “I’m excited for the new season and also to build myself more. It’s about building relationships, with my teammates and my coaches, and connecting more. I want to feel more at home here, and I hope this can become my second home.”

She framed her status as one of the league’s Chinese players as something she values being able to represent.

“The WNBA is a very international league, and I’m happy to represent Chinese players here,” Yueru said. “My teammates help me a lot because it’s a different country and culture. They teach me every day, every moment. I feel more comfortable because of them, and I’m really appreciative of all the support and love.”

Dulcy Fankam Mendjiadeu Reunites With Jose Fernandez

The most emotionally resonant arrival on the Wings’ roster might be Dulcy Fankam Mendjiadeu, who reunites with Fernandez nearly a decade after playing for him at the University of South Florida.

She landed in Dallas after winning a Serbian league title, having to handle her visa process from Serbia rather than her home country. She thanked the Wings’ staff for help navigating the paperwork.

“I have an African passport, and if you know, you know, it’s not always easy to travel,” Fankam Mendjiadeu said. “I had to get my visa done while I was in Serbia, not even my home country. The staff really helped me with contacts and everything. It wasn’t easy, but it was smoother than it usually is. It’s just kind of an annoying process.”

She said her favorite memory of Fernandez came during a slump in college, when she texted him to be honest about how much she was struggling.

“There was a game where I had a stretch of really bad performances before it,” Fankam Mendjiadeu said. “I remember texting him and just being honest about struggling. Before the game, he pulled me aside and said, ‘I trust you. You know what to do. Whatever you need to do to be great, just do it.’ That gave me my confidence back, and that moment really stuck with me.”

She characterized Fernandez as honest and direct.

“He’s a really nice person,” Fankam Mendjiadeu said. “One thing I really love about him is his honesty, he always tells us exactly what he expects. I haven’t been here long enough to know everything about him yet, but I know he’s genuine and straightforward.”

Fankam Mendjiadeu said she had been in Dallas only two days at the time of Media Day and described herself as still catching up on names, plays, and rotations. She framed her on-court value as defense and consistency.

“I think I defend pretty well, so I’m hoping to guard my player and handle my responsibilities,” Fankam Mendjiadeu said. “Just doing the little things that matter, rotations, being consistent, and contributing in different ways.”

She said the opportunity itself has been overwhelming.

“It’s a bit overwhelming, honestly,” Fankam Mendjiadeu said. “I’m kind of behind compared to everybody else, learning the system, learning everyone’s names, but I’m hoping that with time I’ll get comfortable and settle in.”

Amy Okonkwo on a Free-Flowing System and a Long Road Back

Amy Okonkwo, returning to camp after spending parts of last season on hardship contracts, said the Fernandez offense fits her game.

“It’s very fluid,” Okonkwo said. “It gives everybody a chance to show off their strengths, to play fast, move the ball, play inside and outside, be physical, and create offense. I love it. It’s fun to play in for sure.”

Okonkwo said her path to this opportunity has been one of patience and persistence.

“It’s an honor,” Okonkwo said. “I’m very thankful and feel very blessed to be here. I’ve been playing professionally overseas for the past seven years, and I had an opportunity last summer with hardship contracts to show what I’m capable of. Being back in training camp from the beginning has been really fun. I love what they’re trying to build here, and I’m hopeful I can be part of that.”

She said the constant work she puts in between opportunities has been the key to staying ready.

“I stay busy,” Okonkwo said. “I play overseas in the offseason and also for the Nigerian national team, so that keeps me active. It’s about continuously working and getting better until your opportunity comes.”

Okonkwo, a captain for the Nigerian national team, said her focus this camp is on showing versatility on both ends and bringing energy as a vocal connector.

“My focus is just being myself and giving everything I can to the team,” Okonkwo said. “I want to show my versatility, be a force on defense and offense, create extra possessions, be vocal, bring energy, and just be a great team player.”

She also framed her national team work as foundational.

“Being able to represent my country, serve as captain, and help lead that group, it’s special,” Okonkwo said. “We’ve done great things and helped put Africa on the map, showing there’s so much basketball talent out there. I’m thankful we’ve been able to bring joy to our country and be successful doing it.”

Okonkwo identified James as the team’s funniest teammate.

“Aziaha, we laugh all day,” Okonkwo said. “She’s really funny, has a great personality, very upbeat, and easy to talk to. I enjoy being around her.”

Three Dallas Wings Are Arriving From Championship Runs Overseas

Miller delivered overseas updates that will shape the back half of training camp.

Shepard is arriving in Dallas after winning an Italian league championship. Ogunbowale is returning after a Chinese league title run. Fankam Mendjiadeu has already arrived after winning a Serbian league championship.

“Jess Shepard is arriving after her Italian league championship,” Miller said. “Arike is returning from her Chinese championship, and Dulcy has arrived from her Serbian league championship. We’re excited to have them back, especially after finishing their seasons with championships.”

Miller framed that pedigree as a meaningful locker room input.

“Whether it’s college championships, Final Fours, or WNBA titles, bringing that pedigree into the locker room matters,” Miller said.

Bueckers framed Ogunbowale’s leadership at this stage of her career as a foundational input for the locker room.

“For someone at her level to step into a leadership role and use her voice to instill confidence, that’s huge,” Bueckers said.

No Timeline on Awak Kuier; Constanza Verona Slightly Delayed

Miller did not provide a return date for Awak Kuier, who he confirmed will not be in Arlington at the start of camp. He also said Constanza Verona would be slightly delayed compared to Shepard after finishing their season together as teammates in Italy.

“There’s still no set timeline for Awak Kuier, and Constanza Verona may be slightly delayed,” Miller said.

On Kuier specifically, Miller leaned into the development side of her offseason rather than the timeline.

“The biggest thing is confidence,” Miller said. “She’s added strength and really committed to improving her game. We recruited her hard to come back, and she wanted more time to develop. Now she’s returning as a more confident and improved player, and we’re excited to have her back.”

The Practice Facility Investment Shapes Free Agency Conversations

Almost every speaker mentioned the team’s incoming practice facility, the ownership investment behind it, and the way that infrastructure impact is showing up in free agency conversations. The infrastructure development featured a groundbreaking ceremony with the City of Dallas last September at at Joey Georgusis Park in west Dallas/Oak Cliff. The facility is expected to be completed before the 2027 WNBA season after delays that pushed the project back a year.

Miller called the project state-of-the-art.

“I’m really excited,” Miller said. “The new facility will be state-of-the-art, 70,000 square feet with the largest weight room in the league. It’s a huge step forward for the organization and was a major factor in free agency. Even though there’s a delay, the long-term vision is incredibly positive. Playing in downtown Dallas and having these resources shows the level of investment ownership is making. Players around the league are noticing that.”

Bueckers framed the recovery infrastructure as critical for a WNBA athlete’s daily routine.

“It’s really exciting,” Bueckers said. “Even in my short time here, I’ve seen the investment in players and staff. Having our own practice facility is the next step for organizations. In the WNBA, recovery is huge. Having a dedicated space for that, plus being able to come in and work whenever we need, it’s really important. The front office has done a great job investing and making improvements.”

Smith called it a professional standard-setter for the league.

“I think it’s a really good investment in the team and the league,” Smith said. “It’s setting a standard for professional women’s basketball. It helps us be more professional and removes excuses not to show up. I’m keen to see what it looks like next year.”

Siegrist framed the broader investment as evidence of ownership commitment.

“Over the last four years, the growth has been incredible,” Siegrist said. “The amount of staff, the resources, it’s something you see around the league, but in Dallas specifically, it shows how committed ownership is to building something here.”

Jose Fernandez on Pace, Spacing, and the Dallas Wings’ Depth

Fernandez gave a clear preseason internal evaluation framework for the exhibition slate, emphasizing playing with pace and execution for spacing and defense. The coaching staff will test different lineup combinations and roles.

“Pace is important, we’ve been practicing that way,” Fernandez said. “Spacing, defense, and making sure what we’ve emphasized in practice carries over to games. We’ll evaluate lineups, play different combinations, and test players in different roles. These games are about preparing for the regular season.”

He said the depth of the roster is what excites him most.

“It’s a talented group, but what excites me most is our depth,” Fernandez said. “You can mention Paige, Azzi, and Arike, but we also have players like Aziaha James, Maddy Siegrist, Odyssey Sims, Alysha Clark, Jessica Shepard, and others. We have a lot of options and can play in different ways.”

On coaching Bueckers and Fudd specifically, Fernandez said the familiarity from prior interactions has translated cleanly to camp.

“I’ve coached against both and worked with Paige in USA Basketball, so there was already familiarity,” Fernandez said. “There haven’t been surprises, I knew how they would approach things daily, how they work, and how they carry themselves from the moment they arrive to when they leave the facility.”

Notable Absences

Marshall, the second-year center, did not speak. The team confirmed she is in the WNBA’s concussion protocol and remains in the return-to-play process. There was no projected timeline given for when she will be cleared for full-contact participation.

Quinerly, the second-year guard who closed last season as part of the Wings’ young rotation, will speak with the media Tuesday at the team’s first open practice rather than at Media Day. She continues to recover from knee surgery that sidelined her to end her rookie campaign.

Up Next

The Wings begin their preseason slate on April 30 against the Indiana Fever at Gainbridge Fieldhouse, with Fernandez signaling that pace, spacing, and defensive carryover from practice will be the primary evaluation criteria across exhibition games.

Quinerly is scheduled to speak Tuesday at the team’s first open practice in Arlington, and Marshall’s status will continue to be monitored under the WNBA’s concussion protocol. Ogunbowale, Shepard, and the rest of the overseas group are expected to integrate into camp in the coming days.

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